Community News Roundup

January 16, 2008|BY SUN-SENTINEL AND FORUM PUBLISHING GROUP STAFF

Boca Raton

Wrongful death lawsuit filed against mall owners

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Simon Property Group, corporate parent of Town Center at Boca Raton, alleging that mall officials were aware of serious security issues before the shooting deaths of a mother and child.

The lawsuit was filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court by JoAnn Bruno, sister of Nancy Bochicchio and aunt to Joey Bochicchio-Hauser, whose bodies was found last month in their SUV.

The lawsuit alleges that Town Center officials were put "on notice" about crimes prior to the double-homicide, but failed to appropriately deal with security issues and public awareness.

Attorneys for Bruno say whatever response the mall did have to an August carjacking on the property was "obviously" not sufficient.

Simon officials have declined to comment on pending litigation. Enhanced security measures are coming soon to Town Center -- plans that were under way months before the shooting.

Boca Raton

City officials agree to pay $72,500 to crash victim

Officials agreed to settle a case in which a city truck hit a car driven by Rose Ledgister for $72,500.

On Oct. 5, 2004, a city Recreation Services dump truck hit Ledgister from behind. Police said the city employee was at fault in the accident.

Ledgister has not been able to work since then, and her medical bills have added up to more than $35,000, city officials said. She will have to pay a medical lien placed against her with the money from the claim, they said.

West Boca

Sheriff's Office seeking volunteers for satellites

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is seeking volunteers to assist at the 95th Avenue South and Boca Del Mar satellite offices.

Volunteers are needed for in-house clerical duties and also the mobile patrol units at the 95th Avenue South office. "We need people for the rover units that go out on the road and assist in traffic accidents," said volunteer Maj. George Muros.

Rover units help clear lanes at accident sites, direct traffic and the position does entail a certain level of physical activity. Clerical duties include answering nonemergency calls, dispensing emergency 911 cell phones and assisting with paperwork. Training is provided for all positions, and interested volunteers also can receive instruction in fingerprinting.

Call Adele Abbott, volunteer coordinator, at 561-433-2003.

Boynton Beach

Artwork for memorial is given to commissioners

Donated artwork by artist and former arts commission chairman Rick Beau Lieu, dedicated to the memory of the late assistant city manager Wilfred Hawkins, was presented to commissioners.

The memorial, "Rings of Coral," will be placed in the lobby of the new city library when it opens this spring. It's a polished bronze wall sculpture highlighted in green patina and mounted on a black plexiglass.

Hawkins, who worked for the city for 22 years, first as a police officer and finally as one of the top city administrators, died May of liver cancer. He was 46.

Lieberman is scheduled to congratulate the Orthodox congregation on its $10 million expansion. Children from the synagogue will present Lieberman with a silver charity box to take on his travels.

The talk is free and open to the public, but attendees must be in place by 2 p.m. before he arrives. The Chabad is at 10655 El Clair Ranch Road. Call 561-732-4633.

West Boynton

County sheriff to speak on security for seniors

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will speak on "Security for Seniors and Younger Families Now Living in Florida," at noon Thursday at Temple Shaarei Shalom, 9085 Hagen Ranch Road.

The cost is $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers and includes lunch. Reservations are suggested, but attendees can pay at the door. Call the temple at 561-364-9054.

Delray Beach

Blankets sought to help animals during cold spells

Delray Beach Animal Control is asking the public to donate blankets to sheltered animals for cold spells in South Florida. Anyone with an extra blanket may bring it to the police station, 300 W. Atlantic Ave. For more information, call animal control at 561-243-7330.

Delray Beach

Peace activists meet downtown each Monday

Every Monday, peace activists from central and southern Palm Beach and Broward counties meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the busy downtown intersection of Atlantic and Swinton avenues.

Last Monday, the group of more than 30 people had a surprise visit by U.S. Army Col. Ann Wright, who resigned in March 2003 after 29 years over her opposition to the U.S. State Department's policies in Iraq.

She joined the activists, holding up handmade signs with one hand and flashing peace signs to passing motorists with the other.